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The Year to Build

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Throughout December I indicated that I was really taking some time to really think through a life plan.  And in January I kind of laid out my debt pay off plan.  So today I thought I would lay out my plan for 2015.  I know my decisions will meet with some dissension here, but I have truly weighed everything involved and feel that these are achievable goals for this year and giant steps toward my ultimate goal of being able to take in more foster children.  So for 2015, here are my big goals in order:

  1. I’ve given myself six months to pay all ALL debts other than my student loans.  This gives me an estimated date of July 1st having no debt other than my student loans.
  2. I will find an engineer who understands my vision, who will work with me on creating a home that will suit my needs to take in foster kids.  I have met with several now and believe I’ve found the right one.  There is no money involved with this goal, just meeting and finding someone with a like mind who can truly understand the needs.  From them, I will get a scope of work on doing a home build along with a pretty solid budget.  This is needed in order to accomplish #5 in this list.
  3. I will find and purchase land for the someday home.  There is a contingency on this.  I will ONLY purchase if it’s land that must have a well and septic put in, and if I can get owner financing.  I am working on a barter with a company who could do this work, and my thought is that temporarily we could put some sort of temporary housing on it to cut costs down the road.  This is still really an iffy idea but it is in my thoughts these days so wanted to be up front about the possibility.
  4. I will buy a second used car using money saved via the $300 per month budgeted for the existing car so that we will be a two car, three driver household by the end of the year.  There are two reasons driving this goal.  One, I lose a lot of work time with kid chauffeuring duties and having a second car would cut back on that significantly.  On Wednesdays alone I spend a solid four hours in the car.  And two, if I am able to find the ideal land, I will need a truck as we will begin the improvements needed, etc and I will need at least a little truck to haul stuff.  So it will be a beater, but that is my reasoning at this point.
  5. I will create a very realistic budget for a home build.  I have a number in my head for this home build.  It’s REALLY low for this area, and I mean really low.  For one thing, I think with forethought I can barter for or do a good bit of the work myself (ahem, with my wonderful friends help.) And two, if it’s not REALLY low, then this whole housing debacle has been for naught as I will be right back in the place of paying too much for housing and regretting it and it limiting what I can do for the foster kids who come into my care.  But I need to KNOW what this number is going to be based on #2 and #3 in order to accomplish #6, and then someday actually start the build.
  6. After the 6 month date, I will revisit my priorities to balance between paying off the student loan debt and saving for the 10-20% down payment based on the budget for the home build and the equity I will have built up in the land (at least that’s my goal) I will need to get a construction loan to build the house.

Based on my calculations, if everything else stayed the same, and I started paying all existing debt monies to the student loans beginning in July, they would be paid off in April, 2017.  That would be perfect as that is the year at least one of the twins will graduate and I will then be in a good position to help him with college.

So, in order to accomplish all of this and still hit the April, 2017 DEBT FREE date…I MUST make more money.  So that brings us to the title of this post…2015 is the Year to Build.  I would love to say I’m going to Build my House, but that is not this build.  This is the year I will Build my business.  I have several irons in the fire for increasing immediate income, but nothing long term.  As I told my children, right now, I’m selling myself, my knowledge, my skills.  It’s time to add to that and find a way to take myself out of the equation.  To be honest, I’m not sure what that means yet, but I can only be stretched so far. If I can keep going the way I am, my income is limited.  But if I can change up and/or add to my business model, then the sky is the limit?  Right?!?

So these days my energies are going to researching my business, options, ideas…evaluating my strengths, my children’s strengths, my priorities and seeing where we might can go from here.  I’m working with volunteers at SCORE to make sure my knowledge is sound, my ideas feasible.

 


42 Comments

  • Reply Angie |

    I know its far out. But I would like to challenge your “need” for a truck. I would argue you could easily get away with a regular car with good gas mileage with the ability to tow a trailer. You can get trailers cheap ($250 and resell when you’re done) if you are going to use it often. Or easily rent a trailer for $20 a time at Uhaul. There’s really not a reason to get a truck for the once-off’s that you would utilize it. All the rest of the time driving it you would be wasting gas money.

    Plus, what truck has room for multiple kids?

    • Reply Hope |

      Angie, I can see your point. So maybe a bit more clarification to understand why I see a truck as a “need”…we are hoping to get rural land, acreage and have animals. For transporting those animals we will need a truck. Also, this truck could be my twin’s day to day car so wouldn’t have issues with multiple kids. And am thinking more along the lines of one of the small, older stick shift trucks rather than a big, gas guzzling one. So again, alot of pieces to the puzzle to make this a reality but that maybe gives you a better idea of why I think truck.

  • Reply Connie |

    I think you’re making a big mistake when you say you’re going to look for a lot that needs a well and septic system because you can barter for them. It is almost always better to buy a lot with the improvements (ie – utilities) already in. For one, drilling a well is not cheap and you don’t always find water in the first place you drill. Secondly, why do you want to be on a well and septic if you can find something with municipal utilities available? Do you know anything about pumps and motors? Do you know how to maintain a septic system? Are you aware of what might be in your well water? Private wells are not tested. Muni water is.
    Also, why are you talking to an engineer about building plans? You need an architect. Better yet, if you want to save money, look at customizable pre-fab housing. It doesn’t have to look like a trailer home any more, will save you considerable $$ over stick building, and is generally built with larger lumber (2×6 vs 2×4), and better insulation. It is brought to your site ready to bolt to the foundation and hook up utilities. If you’ve never been involved in building a house I highly recommend that you look at other options. Building projects almost always go over budget and take longer than expected. Look at the problem you had with just a painting contractor. Multiply that by all the trades you need to build a house.
    I know this post sounds very negative but I deal with these things all the time and I know whereof I speak. Be careful!

    • Reply scarr |

      I have to agree with Connie. My in-laws have well and septic. They were thinking of building an out-building on their land but would have had to move the septic tank and it was over $30,000 just to move the tank. I doubt someone is going to barter you for several thousands of dollars worth of work.

      I think the long-term goal of having a home large enough to take in more foster children is a great goal and is attainable for you. But I think you need to do some realistic research about costs.

      • Reply Hope |

        Hi scarr,
        Yes, I can imagine that moving one is quite expensive. As I develop this plan I am planning for every type of contingency and obviously things can change at any time. I think the cost of change is one of the main reasons for me not buying my home…
        Prior to coming on here, in fact, the year the twins adoption was finalizing I began getting quotes for adding onto our home to have it make due I got 7 different quotes for adding 1 room. We had the space, would only have had to replace one existing window with a doorway to the new space, no plumbing, no move of any existing structures, etc…was going to be $100K plus for one bedroom on a 3 year old home. Absolutely insane.
        My house would have still be one of the smallest in the neighborhood but would have rivaled the biggest and most expensive in price then.
        My eyes are WIDE open as I embark or hope to embark on this next step and I’m learning something around every turn. But we can not remain in a two bedroom apartment so I have to feel like I’m at least taking baby steps in a different direction.

    • Reply Hope |

      Hi Connie,
      I can certainly understand your concerns. So let me give you a better idea of where we are. In the city/county that we currently live a decent lot is going to run upwards of $150K and that’s cheap. It is VERY expensive own/rent here. So our plan is to go one city/county over to rural land. Thus the need for well/septic, but lots run more along the lines of $30-60K and that gets you acreage, not just room for a house. But then I will need well/septic as it is rural.
      I have a small amount of experience with well/septic as one of my failed rental houses was set up that way and our lakehouse (owned jointly by extended family – not me, but my dad and his siblings.) So I’ve had to deal with septic issues, backing up, cleaning out, etc.
      Luckily, we live in the midst of a number of rivers and wells doesn’t seem to be a problem around here.
      So nothing is done, I am continuing to meet with people and learn more every time. But as of now this is the plan…but really, who knows what may happen. I just don’t feel like apartment living with 2 bedrooms is the right long term solution so feel like I need to at least making baby steps in another direction.

  • Reply Den |

    I like all your goals except #3. I love that you are aggressively paying down your debt, looking to buy a second beater car, and are working on a budget for your dream house….I just don’t know if this is the year to buy the land. I think a better goal would be to research areas you want to live, land prices, the process involved in building, etc while saving up the money for the land purchase.

    I would hate for you to rush and buy property without having all your plans and finances in place. Are you thinking you would buy land and then possibly live in a trailer on the land to get out of your apartment?

    I like Connie’s idea of a pre-fab home….and there may even be homes already built on nice property that could just use some updating…..so I guess my point is that there are lots of housing options and it might be best to take at least a year to explore them all while getting your finances in even better shape.

    • Reply Theresa |

      I agree with Den. Overall I am really pulling for you to get debt-free. Do you think you will blog until the very end?

      • Reply Hope |

        Theresa,
        If I am allowed, I will blog til the very end. I really enjoy it and appreciate the tough love and support. As a single mom, I don’t really get that anywhere else so it truly has been life changing on this journey. Thanks for the encouragement!

    • Reply Hope |

      I see I am going to have to talk about my house plan a bit more…but that will come another day. I am indeed interested in buying the land and putting the septic/well in and then living there in a trailer or some other temporary housing while we build to 1) save some money, 2) be there to contribute and over see the build and 3) give us some space to spread out some…ie allow the dogs outside, send the kids outside, etc.
      But lots of puzzle pieces have to fall into place for this to work so we shall see.

  • Reply ginsue |

    i really don’t want to rain on your parade but:
    #3 where will the money to purchase this land come from?
    #4 you will be taking out a loan to buy a used car with the money budgeted for maintenance and repairs on your present used car? so then you will have 2 used cars that will need maintenance and repairs and even possibly at the same time. so where will that money come from?

    • Reply Hope |

      No, no, no, no….no more car loans! This will be a beater truck. Hopefully for $1000 or less. Old enough that we can work on it ourselves or have my ex help…I figure if we can’t help me with money, the least he can do is help me with car maintenance (that’s his business and expertise.)
      As for the land, hoping for owner financing to 1) allow me to put down a little less to start and then 2) by putting improvements will increase my equity in it when it’s time to transition to a conventional loan.

  • Reply debtor |

    my question is forget the house, how realistic is a 6 month payoff of all debts. You’ve been blogging over a year now (congrats) – do you think your track record in that year shows that what you have set is realistic? I didn’t run the numbers so I don’t have the answer to that but somehow.. i’ve gotten the impression that you haven’t really made much of a dent in our debt except for the car you got rid off (i could be wrong, i’m relying on memory instead of running numbers).

    Hope, think for you – baby steps are best. I think you did this whole year plan but because the house is so near and dear to your heart, you will go gung-ho after it…start talking to folks, looking at land etc etc – even if you don’t initially spend money on it.

    Why not focus on the first 6 months – ie…the get rid of debt part first, then move on to the next.

    You also need savings… 4 KIDS ARE NOT CHEAP…and as our younger two get older, it’ll get harder. I know they contribute to their upkeep and all..but you won’t be able to homeschool them forever.

    Anyway, i’ll say – I’m glad you are making plans. and writing them out. that’s progress…and i’m sure you can achieve everything in the long run

    • Reply Hope |

      Hi debtor,
      I certainly understand your doubt in me. I don’t think this last year would be a good year to use to judge me though as many things happened, well that should hopefully be once in a lifetime events…and not the status quo for me.
      I will post on my EF in the not so distant future, it is growing having been started early last summer with my part time job. But it is better for me to not think about it. I don’t look at it, or think about it ever otherwise I would be tempted to touch it. I don’t have online access to it, can’t do anything with the money unless I physically go to the bank. Out of site, out of mind, but rest assured, deposits are made everytime I put money in my business account.
      I need the house motivation, I need to push myself. The status quo just isn’t good enough. It’s not that I feel I am “entitled” to more, but I do want more and am willing to work for it…and thus the aggressive plan.
      Shoot for the moon and at least you might hit a star…or something like that. The moon is the house full of kids, a start would be at least living on our land that no one could ever take away from us (meaning no one but me or the bank that is and hopefully not the bank for too long.)

  • Reply Maureen |

    Have you considered adding a 6-12 month emergency fund to this list? Houses, land, old cars, kids, as you know, all can drain funds quickly. Having sold real estate and bought in a way more expensive in the last year, I have relied on my EF more than once when I least expected it (closing costs were more at the last minute, the town required an inspection for this, etc.). Just food for thought!

    • Reply Hope |

      The EF continues to grow, I will post about it. From my December list of priorities, my 2015 goal was $10,000. It’s an aggressive goal but I have auto deposits going every time I deposit $$$ into my business account (so any income I receive.)
      It’s better I don’t think about it or look at it or I start thinking about what I could do with it and that’s not it’s purpose.

  • Reply Gill |

    interesting goals and very interesting responses. I agree with the others get through to the end of 2015 and then see how it looks.

  • Reply first step |

    The major item that I would like to see you focus on after paying off debt is getting your retirement funded and keeping that going while working on your goals above. You have 4 children who need you to be self-sufficient in your old age, and you can’t do that if you haven’t started saving for when you can’t work. You also need to have enough reserves so that you can make it through illnesses since it’s unlikely that you would qualify for sufficient disability insurance because of the nature of your jobs.

    Also, do you have contingency plans for all of your children in the event of your disability or death? If you’ve outlined this before, please forgive my oversight.

    It seems that you’re planning to take in additional foster kids without ensuring that your existing children would have support and funds to carry them through to adulthood or that you’ll be able to save for when you need/want to retire (for health reasons or otherwise).

    • Reply Hope |

      I carry a very healthy sized life insurance policy on myself and have guardians set up for the children if something were to happen to me. This was done with the birth of each of my younger children and then modified and added to with the adoption of the twins. It’s been in my monthly budget since the beginning. In fact, for the first few months I was blogging here, I was also paying for my ex-husbands life insurance policy (which we set up simultaneously with the birth of our children and for which I am the beneficiary. At some point, I stopped paying that and am no longer sure of the status. This payment was the reason for the remaining joint account that added to my debt load this fall.)
      I carry a separate disability policy via my business, which is paid for by my business so I do not count it in my income, nor does it come into play with my debt pay off journey.
      My retirement fund does need building up, you are right, but I am more interested in 1) being debt free and 2) having a home for my children then adding to that at this point. But definitely something to consider for the 2016 plan when my EF is funded, I have in place for housing and my only debt remaining are my student loans.
      I think I covered all your concerns, and I certainly appreciate your feedback!

  • Reply Pam |

    Was just wondering if you would really feel comfortable with one of your children driving an old beater truck? Safety might become an issue with something like this even though you have access to a mechanic.

    • Reply Hope |

      I would never knowingly put them in harm’s way. By beater, I mean old, high miles and maybe not as attractive, not mechanically or physically unsafe. People all over the world drive older cars, I don’t see why we can’t especially since in driving them, we save tons of money on car payments, taxes, insurance, gas, etc.
      I would not by a car without advisement, but my perspective on older and more importantly paid off cars has changed dramatically in the last few months.

  • Reply Joe |

    Hope,

    Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think you need to take it slow in 2015. You just went through a huge number of changes. Selling your car and moving into the apartment was supposed to result in the gain of ~$1000/month in cash flow if I recall correctly. This is remarkable progress, even if it came at a cost of material comforts and convenience.

    Now is the time to consolidate your gains and stabilize your position, not the time to make another series of substantial financial commitments. Having a long-term vision is terrific, but you need to be prudent.

    By all means, focus on increasing your earning power and efficiency. That is the critical piece, as indeed you are limited right now by far the most by lack of money and time and not by the lack of good intentions or a powerful vision. Powerful or not, that vision is a distraction for 2015. Fix the time/money problem, make it sustainable, and everything else will follow.

    My two cents.

    • Reply Hope |

      Hi Joe,
      I certainly appreciate that perspective which is why, I think, I said at the 6 month mark when my credit card debt and old checking account debt is paid off, I would revisit my plan and set the course from there…
      The items are what are in my head, but the only definitive goal…6 months to pay off the 3 credit cards/lines of credits and the checking. I think I may take Ashley’s idea and create some sort of physical representation. And plan some sort of celebration 🙂 Because that will be huge, but I’m going for it!

  • Reply Lynn |

    Wow. I just have to say, this is my last post and last read on this site. Hope you seem like a lovely person, truly. But you are only a dreamer. you don’t ever meet goals, you just say you are setting new goals or you liquidate an asset at a loss to move to a less desirable situation. You fantasize about things that quite frankly I don’t ever see you being able to afford and all you really do seem to do is set yourself up to fail financially over and over again.

    And quite frankly, many of the comments here for the most part don’t help you, Because you are so nice, people feel they are giving you support and cheering you on while allowing you to continue hopping from financial debacle to financial debacle. But they are enabling you. And when a few posters challenge unrealistic goals or ideas, you dismiss them, as I am sure you will dismiss this.
    I come here to enjoy the progress of the posters and I have done that with Ashley’s sincere attempts and progress made. I truly do wish you well, but this is just too painful to watch. Good luck.

    • Reply Financial Fan |

      I have to agree with Lynn. If Hope was my grown daughter, I would be constantly worried about her situation. Dreams are good, but you have to have your feet firmly planted in reality too. I know your kids are loved, but they are going to be affected by this financial instability. I feel for all Moms who have to go it alone. It can’t be easy.

      • Reply Hope |

        You’re right, it’s not easy as a single mom. And certainly without someone to rein you back in when you go off the deep in or counter your ideas, which is why I value this community so much. It is certainly hard to read the nay-sayers, but I’m the first to say I need them.
        Have no doubt, I am firmly planted in reality, and it’s a reality of my own choosing for the first time in a very long time. And I am relishing it, every single hard decision, I own them. Nothing could be more freeing than that.
        And just wait to see what I do with it.

    • Reply Hope |

      Lynn,
      I hope you won’t leave. I certainly appreciate the support, but it’s the nay-sayers that really push me and I need that. I don’t understand why my “dreams” are unrealistic. Paying off my credit card/line of credit and checking debt in 6 months seems very realistic to me if I continue to tow the line and not slip.
      The others…well, those are all dependent on a whole other bunch of factors and you are right, they may not happen, but I don’t see any reason to limit my dreams.
      It was just a few months ago, I couldn’t have seen myself giving up my big van comfort and kid mobile to drive a tiny car. And now I can’t see myself going back. In just a month, not only did I teach myself to drive stick, something I feared beyond all measure, but I LOVE the freedom that having no car payment, low taxes, really good gas mileage have brought me.
      Change takes time and I am a stubborn mule, no doubt, but it is coming…I hope you will continue to doubt me and tell me so, there is nothing that will motivate me more than that.
      Saying all this with the greatest respect too.

      • Reply Jessica |

        Hope, it seems that you have an answer or argument for everything. I would recommend reading comments with an open mind before automatically going on the defensive and arguing your position. I know it’s hard to take criticism, but there is good advice being given here that you aren’t taking into consideration

  • Reply Kiki |

    Oh, my to all of this. Hope’s dad may have not been “controlling” at all but genuinely concerned for his grandchildren. Perhaps he has seen the pattern of Hope’s life and wanted to secure their future in a better way by “forcing” Hope to choose a better path.

    As a parent, I would be worried too.

    • Reply Hope |

      Kiki,
      If my dad had been “worried” about me or my children, he wouldn’t have 1) bailed my ex husband out of jail on the same day that he pushed me down the stairs when I was 8 months pregnant, putting me in the hospital ALONE. After my second failed rental home (not my fault in either case,) he would have encouraged me to do as I wished and move somewhere cheaper to live, rather than dangling the carrot of a new home with his assistance. And he certainly would not have given me 30 days to get out of the home. So I certainly appreciate your perspective, but the BIG moments in my life over the past 7 years since I left my abusive marriage speak to my dad wanted to control me rather than care for me. And if I let my anger at that control me, then not only will I do harm to my dad with my words, but also to my children which I would die before doing.
      So I have taken all I am going to take from my “genuinely concerned” dad as you tell it, and now I’m going to do it on my own. It has been a rocky start, but I am making it, I am getting there. Just watch me!

    • Reply ginsue |

      as a parent of 2 grown sons i have to agree with your post 100%. i really feel sorry for her dad. it is so hard being a parent when you see the mistakes your children are making and there is nothing you can do about it. instead of taking good advice you see them having to learn the hard way time after time.

  • Reply Shauna |

    Hope, I’m glad you’ve got to a point where you can make some goals and next steps in your debt-free process. I would advise that you keep asking people questions about building a house, especially in the area you’re looking to move to. From what I’ve seen some of the biggest delays, frustrations and costs come from permits, and restrictions for a municipality. Now that you’ve downsized into a small apartment, have you looked into a tiny house of some sort for temporary housing? There are some great stories, blogs, etc about this kind of option which keeps costs low, but will be much nicer than living in an apartment.

    Also if you want to try to do some of the work yourself, maybe start learning or helping out at a Habitat for Humanity site where you can learn great things, and make great connections. Plus you’re helping people out, so it’s a win win for everyone.

  • Reply Sara |

    I realize that taking in foster kids is one of your core values, and nothing will dissuade you from doing that – and that’s okay.

    What I’m concerned about is the timeline, and that it looks like you’re missing a few steps in between paying off debt and buying land. You mentioned that you are contributing to an emergency fund behind the scenes, but perhaps what people are concerned about is that your post didn’t mention this contribution or any amounts associated with it. I applaud your realization that you don’t want to be tied financially to your dad or anyone else anymore, which is a great thing. But part of that realization and subsequent goals is to be able to stand on your own two feet financially no matter what happens. And you have FOUR kids. What would happen if you suddenly lost client(s) like what happened a few yeas ago, and you weren’t able to make rent/mortgage payments? Would you have to ask your dad for help again? Do you really want to do that?

    I’m not trying to be harsh here, truly. But I’ve personally experienced this. Jobs end, and it’s always when you least expect it. Before purchasing any land, I would make sure you have a large emergency fund, ideally with at least a year of living expenses. Not only could your clients sever ties at any moment, but you want to have a large cash cushion/contingency for when construction goes awry – and it will. It always takes way longer and costs way more than you think it will. Not to mention saving for a down payment and closing costs.

    Also, what about retirement. Have you saved anything? Experts say you should have at least 3x your salary by age 45 (https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/8X-retirement-savings

    At this point, I would re-write your goals like this:

    • Reply Sara |

      Sorry – my post got cutoff.

      I was going to say perhaps adding in retirement and substantial savings in between paying off debt and purchasing land.

  • Reply Anon |

    It’s taken you to pay off a checking account debt. Buying raw land and doing a well, septic and building a new house are not even in the realm of realistic. If you want a big house, buy an old house.

    Also, I wonder if your motivation with taking on more foster kids has to do with the income it would generate from the state. I know it can be lucrative.

  • Reply Halle |

    Hey Hope,

    This comment isn’t necessarily about your post, rather more about the comments you’re receiving. While many are well intended and provide good advice/thoughts, I do feel some are completely unfair towards you (especially towards the end). I am continually impressed by your grace and courtesy while responding to comments, and the “arguing” that some are claiming you do I see much more as just explaining your POV for their concern. You may not have needed this affirmation; however, I just felt another perspective would benefit here.

    • Reply Anon |

      Time will be what tells the truth. We will see where Hope is in 6 months if she stays around. I only wish her well, of course, but it’s going to be a long climb to reach what she hopes for.

  • Reply AT |

    Whoa, until Lynn, Financial Fan, Jessica, Kiki and Ginsue put their debt-free street creds on the line, on-line, they are out of line. Having goals and plans seems to motivate you, Hope, so run with them. Finding out is free. If researching rural lots keeps you from binge spending, have at it! Making plans is the funnest part of building (says the person who finished building on a 20%+ credit card! blessedly paid off ASAP. ).

    I think a visual would be awesome. How about two jars of legos or candies or marbles, one with each lego representing a part of the amount owed, the other empty (or filled now enough to represent what you’ve already paid? As you pay them off, move from one to another? The kids might get into the math problem of how much each lego represents. Paper is simpler, but the physical transfer might feel, you know, more tangible.

    • Reply Jessica |

      So sorry, thought this was a forum to share helpful feedback (regardless of whether we agreed with the blogger 100% or not). I concur that Hope is doing an awesome job and has made many sacrifices for her family – I just see a lot of defensiveness in her replies

      • Reply Hope |

        Jessica,
        I appreciate all feedback…dissenting or not. I am certainly not defensive, it’s just there are alot of factors that come into play so when someone points something out that I have taken into consideration I try to expand on my thought process a bit. Not argumentative, just explanatory. The bulk of my time is spent on thinking through, analyzing and evaluating. Believe me, with the house/land goal, I am looking at it from every possible angle to make sure I don’t mis-step. Definitely keep it coming, whether you agree or not!

    • Reply Hope |

      AT,
      I am LOVING the planning and researching part AND I’m learning so much. I actually have a visual reminder post already scheduled…more for me than the kids, but you’ll see…great minds, eh?!
      The goals and planning do keep me motivated to the very highest level, I can’t imagine doing this without that end game in the picture. It wouldn’t be nearly so meaningful.

So, what do you think ?